Thursday, December 11, 2008

"As Illinois politics is making front page news throughout the country, Chicagoans are up in arms that yet another governor has proven to be corrupt. One Chicago restaurant is voicing its disapproval in another way; by dedicating a drink to the situation.

Take a dirty martini, steal the olives but leave the pimentos and you have 'The Dirty Governor,' a drink currently being served at Wicker Park hotspot The Fifty/50.

What brand of vodka is used? Effen. Because Chicago’s (sic) are 'effen' mad."

"At judges' table, Radhika's team is on top, but Ariane gets the victory for cooking 'the most flavorful component of the evening,' (guest judge Dana) Cowin reveals. Now wait. Didn't Radhika's marinade and yogurt sauce contribute more to the flavor than Ariane's cooking? All she had to do was know when to take the lamb out of the oven, and she needed help from her teammates to get that right. Radhika should have stood up more for her cooking. At least she shows strongly by placing with the winning team. Now she needs to stand out on her own."

From The Guv to GM, it seems like everyone's in hot water. Two prominent restaurants shuttered (copperblue, Mantou Noodle Bar), and yet another is changing its concept before it heads into trouble.

Of course, everyone's strapped for $$$ these days, but let's try to get out and about this weekend and support our local businesses:

THURSDAY

If you're shopping on the Mag Mile or in River North, and it's arctic outside, warm up at mk. Every time the weather dips below 20 degrees, diners get free hot toddies.

Shoppers can also take refuge inside Bistro 110, which is doing Bistro & Bubbles until the end of the month in the lounge. They're offering two champagne pairings from Moët & Chandon: a glass of Moët White Star paired with truffle oil parmesan fries ($11) or a glass of Moët Rosé Impérial with smoked salmon pizza ($15). 5-7pm Sunday-Friday.

Green Zebra's new dinner deal benefits the World Bicycle Relief, a nonprofit organization supporting impoverished areas worldwide. A seasonal, four-course tasting menu is $44, with $4 from each order going to the organization. Through Dec. 30.

Funkshion (2121 W. Division St.) fetes its first-year anniversary with a party at the boutique from 7-11pm. Deejays spin, giveaways and a premium open bar. They're also requesting that guests bring gently used clothing to gift those less fortunate. The after-party happens at Right Loft (above Enclave) until 4am. No cover.

Hopefully the Bears beat the Saints so they hold their heads up high at the first-ever Bear Factor, happening at Rednofive. Guests get to mingle with past and present Bears players, and enjoy a fashion show featuring their wives and girlfriends. Appetizers and open bar included. 7-11pm. $75.

C-House chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Toni Roberts are the guest celebrity bartenders at Pops for Champagne on Monday. (Photo: C-House)

SATURDAY

It's suds galore at Delilah's, which hosts the 10th annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting. This is likely the largest beer tasting in the country with more than 100 beers on hand for your indulgence. Brands include Goose Island Christmas Ale, Three Floyds Alpha Claus Christmas Porter, Lakefront Holiday Spice Lager and Summit Winter Ale, plus reps will be on hand to answer questions. Noon-5pm. $20.

The sixth-annual Kandy Kane Ballat Joe's should bring out all the young professionals. Admission includes an open bar and appetizers (until midnight), live entertainment and some of the most interesting people you'll meet this holiday season. 9pm-2am. $40 (toy donation required; no batteries).

World-class tennis hottie Anna Kournikova's in town for another toy drive happening at Enclave. The party benefits the Union League Boys and Girls Club. 10pm-3am. $20 donation (or toys).

XBOX 360's I'm With the DJ Tour makes a stop at Bon V. You'll jam out to the sounds of Clinton Sparks, Rick Rude and White Shadow. 9pm-3am. $20.

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The Dish:

Audarshia Townsend's introduction to the online world began as one of the first two editors at metromix.com--where they set the tone for the entertainment site's cutting-edge style. She also has written lifestyle features for the Chicago Tribune, Essence, Los Angeles Times, Michigan Avenue, about.com, playboy.com, Huffington Post, DiningChicago.com, World's Best Bars and Upscale magazine. Additionally, she has appeared regularly on CLTV, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" for cocktail-, dining- and nightlife-related features. In 2007, Audarshia launched 312DiningDiva.com, a daily dining-and-drinking blog keeping readers up to date on Chicago happenings. Her interests include staying fit with a regular Forrest Yoga practice, cycling in the city, and Flywheel Chicago classes.